Plan would alter graduation requirements

Overhauling the state's current graduation requirements would provide more options for high school students and more skilled workers for Texas industry, the state Senate's education chairman said Thursday.

Sen. Dan Patrick, R-Houston, announced plans to introduce a bill this week that would replace the state's three distinct graduation plans — minimum, recommended and distinguished — with a single “foundation” plan.

Within that plan, students would choose one of three tracks: business and industry; academic achievement in STEM or the arts and humanities; and distinguished.

Students would need to earn 26 credits to graduate under the foundation plan, regardless of what track they choose. That's the same number required now by both the recommended and distinguished plans. The current minimum plan requires 22 credits.

Patrick's bill would require certain core requirements of all students but would allow them to take additional electives in their area of interest.

“Every student will be ready for college and able to attend,” he said, adding that students who decide to go straight to the workforce would be better prepared.

The bill centers on the number and type of courses required for a high school diploma and doesn't propose changes to the state's testing system — other legislation will address that, Patrick said.

Patrick said he has spoken with more than 200 school superintendents in recent months and all of them said they wanted more options for high school students.

Brian Gottardy, North East Independent School District superintendent, said he wants to see more specifics but finds the bill appealing.

In particular, Gottardy said, he appreciates that students would have an opportunity to take additional elective courses that could prepare them for careers.

“It's our job to prepare every child to go to college if they want to go to college,” Gottardy said. “But the reality of that situation is not every child is going to make that choice.”

Several industry leaders joined Patrick at a news conference, saying Texas needs an educated, well-trained workforce.

So did Rep. Joe Deshotel, D-Beaumont, who plans to file similar legislation soon in the House.

Deshotel said the proposed changes aren't “dumbing down anything” because all students would be required to earn the same number of credits.